Six diamonds in the rough at the U20 Trophy to dust off the chequebook for
The World Rugby U20 Championship isn’t the only global gathering of talented youngsters and for the last 10 days, the second-tier competition, the U20 Trophy, has been raging on in Romania.
Unsurprisingly, Fiji and Samoa will meet to decide the final on Sunday in Bucharest, with the winner earning promotion to the Championship tournament in 2019, which will be held in Argentina.
The level of quality across the board falls significantly short of the Championship, which was contested back in June, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t players with bright futures in the game on show.
We have picked out six diamonds in the rough, who will not only be eyeing up successful careers with their nation’s senior sides, but quite possibly club careers that could see them perform in Super Rugby, the Top 14, the Gallagher Premiership or the Guinness PRO14.
Continue reading below…
Patrick Schickerling, Namibia
The tighthead prop is a big slab of meat. Weighing in at 130kg, he has been the spearhead of a Namibian scrum that has been dominant at the Trophy, something which is only made more impressive by the fact that he was packing down as a loosehead this time last year.
In addition to being the fulcrum of the Namibian scrum, Schickerling has also impressed in the loose, proving a powerful presence with ball in hand as he has pinballed his way through would-be tacklers. The scrum may be becoming a less influential factor in the game, but tightheads with the natural size of Schickerling still exert their value on the pitch, as well as in contract negotiations, and there should be teams from both hemispheres interested in this prop.
Iosefatu Mareko, Samoa
A close call, with a more than an honourable mention for Mareko’s partner in the Samoan engine room, Wesley Patu. Similar to Schickerling, Mareko’s natural size has helped him dominate the competition at the Trophy, but that shouldn’t detract from a good all-round skill set and a technical ability that will mean he isn’t a fish out of water when he steps up to the senior level.
In fact, Mareko has already been making an impact at the next level, having represented Samoa A earlier this year in the Pacific Challenge, albeit as a blindside flanker rather than a lock. A member of the Bay of Plenty U19 squad last year and pushing now for further recognition with Samoa, Mareko will be on plenty of teams’ radars.
. @manusamoa's Wesley Patu is at it again. Don't kick him the ball he's big, fast and has got a outhalf's hands #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/Rub2ocSYK2
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 5, 2018
Vilimoni Botitu, Fiji
An inside centre who is unerringly Fijian, Botitu has lit up the Trophy this year with his dazzling runs and comfort with the ball in hand. His long stride sees him easily exploit holes in defences and put distance between himself and tacklers when he moves through the gears.
Given that Botitu was representing Nadi U20s a couple of months ago, it seems as though he remains a relative secret to those outside of Fiji, but if he can replicate this form at the next level, potentially for the Fiji Warriors, or the Fijian Drua side in Australia’s National Rugby Championship, he is going to quickly become coveted by European clubs and southern hemisphere franchises.
Take a bow Vilimoni Botitu! Incredible try from @fijirugby at the #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/Q8khPaKeNV
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 5, 2018
Brennig Prevost, Canada
A versatile full-back and fly-half, Prevost isn’t the biggest player at the Trophy, but he has shown speed, attacking instincts and a passing game that have set him apart from a Canadian team that has been competitive in their three losses so far.
Canada have a history of players straddling the divide between 7s and XVs and Prevost could be another that ends up taking that route. If he develops physically over the next year or two and that doesn’t detract from the footballer that he currently is, then a promising career solely in XVs could beckon instead, especially with semi-regular opportunities for Canadian players in European leagues.
Manuel Ardao, Uruguay
Ardao is the best player in the Uruguay side and, at times, it looks like he knows that. There is definitely a swagger to his play and he picks and chooses his moments to get involved, something which isn’t necessarily a negative as an openside flanker.
He is extremely efficient with his tackling, often going low and wrapping the legs of his opponents, rather than getting sucked into a physical contest with bigger forwards, whilst his ability as a carrier, particularly his leg drive, often sees him break tackles and rip off big gains down the pitch. Having featured at this tournament last year and represented the Uruguayan 7s team, Ardao is building a decent portfolio for interested teams.
Paul Altier, Hong Kong
There is some x-factor about Altier and he put it on display against Romania on Wednesday, picking up a hat-trick and running the Hong Kong back line with finesse and composure. At just 18 years of age and not set to turn 19 until later this month, Altier may well get another shot at this competition next year if Hong Kong can qualify again, and the prospect of what he could be as a player in 2019 is exciting.
As a runner, he has a wicked step off of his right foot and there is very little loss of speed when he deploys it. At this level it’s devastating, and although he wouldn’t enjoy the same space and pace mismatches at senior level for Hong Kong or in a professional competition, it could still prove quite the weapon for a team willing to invest time into him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJstCSq6eNI
Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to comments